Although many have applied for Welsh Government business grants offered in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, up to 2,000 potentially eligible firms in Monmouthshire are yet to fill in the online claim form. The grants of £10,000 and £25,000 will be administered by Monmouthshire County Council and applications will be processed as soon as possible. There are concerns that businesses have wrongly assumed that the grants would be automatically applied. This is not the case. It is vital that any businesses that could be eligible apply online.

Monmouthshire County Council is encouraging business owners to take the first step and check eligibility by visiting the COVID-19 Welsh Government’s business grants website: https://businesswales.gov.wales/covid-19-grants and apply online.

The Welsh Government will advise on further financial support for those businesses not covered by these grants which are not a loan, they are non-returnable grants.  Firms with a rateable value of less than £12,000 are eligible to submit their details on-line for up to two premises, for a £10,000 grant per premise. Firms may still be eligible for the grant even if they don’t have any business (tax) rates to pay. Those premise with a rateable value between £12,001 and £51,000 have the option for grant funding of £25,000 for EACH property they pay business rates for.

Councillor Bob Greenland, Monmouthshire’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for enterprise said: “This is a vital lifeline for local businesses at a time of immense strain. I would encourage them to visit the website, check their eligibility and apply immediately. We have already had many applications, but it is clear that a greater number of businesses have not taken the first step of applying. The sooner this is done, the sooner more businesses can receive the help they deserve and need. Please pass this message on to other businesses in Monmouthshire. We do not want anyone to go under as a result of this crisis.”

For additional information visit: https://www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/business-advice/